Platelet Count

Also known as Thrombocyte count

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Understanding Platelet Count

What is Platelet Count?

A Platelet Count test measures the average number of platelets in the blood. Platelets are tiny, colorless blood cells that play a critical role in blood clotting. This test helps detect or monitor conditions that cause excessive bleeding or clotting. It is often done as part of a complete blood count test that also measures other types of blood cells.

Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, help the blood to clot at an injury site and prevent excessive bleeding. When you have a cut or injury, platelets rush to the site and clump together to form a clot, which helps stop bleeding. Platelets also release substances that promote healing and repair damaged blood vessels. The normal platelet count ranges between 1.5 to 4.5 lacs platelets per microliter of blood.

If your platelet count is too low (thrombocytopenia), it can lead to bleeding problems and difficulty forming clots. A low platelet count can be caused by various factors, including reduced platelet production in conditions like bone marrow failure, increased platelet destruction as seen in ITP (idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura), or heightened platelet trapping as observed in hypertension. Conversely, if your platelet count is too high (thrombocytosis), it might increase the risk of blood clots. High platelet count may occur due to iron deficiency, infections, or inflammation.

Your doctor may suggest a Platelet Count test if you experience excessive bleeding or bruising symptoms or have conditions that can affect your platelet count. Test results can help the doctor diagnose and monitor various conditions, such as bleeding disorders, certain infections, immune system disorders, and side effects of medications. No special preparation is required for this test; eat or drink as per your daily routine. Inform your doctor if you take any medicines, as they may affect your test results.

Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. The results will help them determine your medical condition and formulate an overall treatment plan.

What is Platelet Count used for?

A Platelet Count test can be done:

As part of a complete blood count test to monitor your overall health.
In case of signs and symptoms of bleeding disorders, such as easy bruising and prolonged bleeding.
To detect and monitor clotting disorders.
To detect or monitor diseases affecting platelets, such as dengue or inflammatory diseases.
Before surgery, if you have a personal or family history of bleeding disorders.
To monitor platelet count if you are taking blood-thinning medicines, underwent chemotherapy treatment, or a platelet transfusion procedure.

What does Platelet Count measure?

A Platelet Count test measures the average number of platelets in the blood. Platelets are disk-shaped tiny cells originating from large cells known as megakaryocytes, which are found in the bone marrow. After the platelets are formed, they are released into the blood circulation. Their average life span is 7-10 days.

Platelets help stop the bleeding, whenever there is an injury or trauma to a tissue or blood vessel, by adhering and accumulating at the injury site and releasing chemical compounds that stimulate the gathering of more platelets. A loose platelet plug is formed at the site of injury and this process is known as primary hemostasis. These activated platelets support the coagulation pathway that involves a series of steps, including the sequential activation of clotting factors; this process is known as secondary hemostasis. After this step, there is a formation of fibrin strands that form a mesh incorporated into and around the platelet plug. This mesh strengthens and stabilizes the blood clot so that it remains in place until the injury heals. After healing, other factors come into play and break the clot down so that it gets removed. In case the platelets are not sufficient in number or not functioning properly, a stable clot might not form. These unstable clots can result in an increased risk of excessive bleeding.

Interpreting Platelet Count results

Interpretations

The normal platelet count ranges from 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood.

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Platelet Count

Frequently Asked Questions about Platelet Count

Q. Why is a Platelet Count test done?

A Platelet Count test may be done to diagnose or monitor a variety of conditions such as thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), thrombocytosis (high platelet count), bleeding disorders, and autoimmune disorders.

Q. How is a Platelet Count test done?

A Platelet Count test is done using a sample of blood that is withdrawn from a patient’s vein. The blood sample is collected in a vial and sent to the lab for analysis.

Q. What happens if my platelet count is high?

If your platelet count is too high, blood clots can form in your blood vessels. This can block blood flow through your body.

Q. What all conditions can a Platelet Count test detect?

A Platelet Count test can help detect diseases like dengue and conditions such as bleeding or clotting disorders, thrombocytopenia, thrombocytosis, etc.

Q. What are the functions of platelets?

Platelets are tiny blood cells that help stop bleeding when you get a cut or injury. They form a plug and stabilize it to prevent further bleeding. Platelets also release substances that promote healing and defend against infections. They play a vital role in keeping our blood vessels healthy and in the process of wound healing.

Q. What are the signs and symptoms associated with low platelet count ?

The signs and symptoms associated with low platelet count includes easy or unexplained bruising, prolonged bleeding from a small wound, numerous nosebleeds, gastrointestinal bleeding, heavy menstrual bleeding. These low platelet count can also result in petechiae (small red spots on the skin) and purpura (small purplish spots on the skin) which are caused by bleeding under the skin.

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